The JD Dragon Disability Rights Podcast: Exploring how disability and diversity are connected

Melissa joins us once again to talk about her new podcast "Mindset Meets Reality". Listen to the podcast via the link below: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033tRAa7uDM2jjd8mcAWMB?si=i5bjO0nMR4efL2fuv_gK4g If you would like to reach out feel free to send an email to: atelierfuralle@gmail.com. You can also leave a review of the podcast and follow this show on: Instagram: https://in...

Carol Le Page is the Social Policy Officer of the Guernsey Disability Alliance (GDA) and is its only employee. She has a wealth of experience having worked for the States of Guernsey government for over 28 years and the third sector in Guernsey for 10 years, the last 6 of which have been working for the GDA. The GDA provides a voice for anyone affected by disability in Guernsey including people wi...

Luke du Val joins us again to discuss the Jersey Island Race. If you would to learn more (and possibly sign up to take part) check out the following link: ⁠https://www.islandwalk.je/⁠ If you would like to donate:  ⁠https://sportsgiving.co.uk/sponsorship/entry/1777945⁠ If you would like to reach out feel free to send an email to: atelierfuralle@gmail.com. You can also leave a review of the podcast...

Luke du Val joins us on the show again to talk about his experiences taking part in the accessible section of the Jersey Island Walk to raise money for local charities. If you would to learn more (and possibly sign up to take part) check out the following link: https://www.islandwalk.je/ If you would like to donate: https://sportsgiving.co.uk/sponsorship/entry/1777945 If you would like to reach ou...

Stuart Penn is the Head of Skills Jersey (Government of Jersey) where he leads initiatives to connect education, training and employment opportunities for people no matter their abilities. Born with only one fully formed limb, Stuart has built a career defined by resilience and adaptability becoming a passionate ambassador for people with disabilities. Championing the idea that with the right mind...

Today we're joined by Beth Gallichan whose background includes working as a healthcare assistant supporting people with disabilities in residential care settings. Since then, she has spent more than 20 years working in fundraising, charity leadership and community development. Over the years, Beth has worked with a number of disability charities, including Headway Jersey and Autism Jersey. Tod...

Melissa Alves is a motivational speaker, certified life and mindset coach from Jersey who was born with spina bifida. As someone who understands the importance of independence and accessibility, having experienced the incredible service that they offer, she's pleased to share her experiences with DriveAbility Jersey and the positive impact they have on people's lives. Having access to driving oppo...

John Grady is the Honorary Secretary for DriveAbility Jersey which is a charity that assists people with disabilities to learn to drive or return to driving after an illness or an accident. He joined in 2007 and have been impressed with the life changing results for clients. John has worked in the field of disabilities most of his professional career and was asked to join the committee as they tho...

Lesley Harrison is Head of Charitable Services at Autism Jersey and leads a small team who deliver services to autistic individuals and their families at no cost to them at the point of access their purpose such as counselling for autistic individuals and their families, along with pre and post diagnostic support and fun family activities and seeking sponsorship and fundraising in order to do so....

Jennie Le Cornu is the Outreach Manager for the States Greffe and has lived in Jersey for the past 24 years. Having previously worked in the public, private and third sectors, She is passionate about community engagement, raising awareness of the States Assembly and increasing voter engagement in Jersey. As part of the Education and Outreach Team, Jennie helps all Islanders, including those living...

Mericia Andrade is a Jersey-based business owner, former civil servant who has lived in Jersey for the past 27 years. With over 25 years’ experience in finance and public-facing roles, and as Treasurer of Reform Jersey, She's passionate about community engagement, accessibility and ensuring that everyone - including people living with disabilities or mobility challenges - has an equal opportun...

Curtis Maxwell is the founder of The Disability Enabling Network (DEN), a consultancy built on both lived experience and professional expertise. He has developed a strong understanding of the challenges people with disabilities face across healthcare, education, and benefit systems, and uses this to turn complex processes into clear, practical support that works in real life. Curtis has created se...

Lauren Aitchinson is a disability rights advocate with Cerebral Palsy who is currently studying health and social care. Today we'll discuss our experiences living the condition. Learn more about Lauren and her work via the description below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren.aitchison?utm_source=qr&igsh=MjdzMXk4dmR5czk4 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HoDd5ib43/ If you...

Roslynn Beighton is a Gibraltarian who has worked to support and protect people under threat worldwide and is dedicated to advancing human rights through collective action and international solidarity. Most recently she was an Associate in Human Rights with the UN Human Rights Office in Colombia. Learn more about Roslynn via the link below. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roslynn-beighton199...

Today we have the honour and privilege of being joined by Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, Member of both the Reform Jersey party and the States Assembly (Legislative body for the Bailiwick of Jersey) and Minister for Social Security and Dario Gentili, Project Manager of Government of Jersey's Disability Team to tell us about the incredible work they're doing to make the island of Jersey more inclu...

Lukje du Val is a local disability advocate from the Island of Jersey who has Cerebral Palsy and today we'll be discussing our experiences growing up with the condition. Luke has worked with "Enable Jersey". Learn more about the organisation via the link to their website below: https://www.enablejersey.org/⁠ If you would like to reach out feel free to send an email to: atelierfuralle...

Sean Pontin is the CEO of Enable Jersey, the leading disability organisation on the Island of Jersey in the Channel Islands and today he'll tell us about the initiatives the organisation has undertaken to make island more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities. Learn more about Enable Jersey via the link to their website below: https://www.enablejersey.org/ If you would like to...

Darren Cerisola is the President of the Gibraltar General and Clerical Association (GGCA) and has worked on various initiatives to support disability and mental health on The Rock. Learn more about the GGCA via the link to their website below: https://ggca.gi/ If you would like to reach out feel free to send an email to: atelierfuralle@gmail.com. You can also leave a review of the podcast and foll...

Áine Panter, is the Head of the Business School at the University of Gibraltar (UniGib) and has taught students with disabilities. Today we'll be discussing her experience and the future of inclusive education at the University of Gibraltar. Learn more about the University of Gibraltar via the link below: Official Website: https://www.unigib.edu.gi/ UniGib School of Business website: https://w...

Today we have the honour of being joined by Tanni, Baroness Grey-Thompson, Paralympian, Parliamentarian and Member of the House of Lords in the UK to discuss her journey and work. Learn more about Baroness Grey-Thompson and her work via the link below: House of Lords official page: https://members.parliament.uk/member/3862/contact If you would like to reach out feel free to send an email to: ateli...

Vanessa Cross is the Centre Services Clinical Nurse Specialist Lead at Cancer Relief Gibraltar.  She joined Cancer Relief in May 2019 and as the title states, she manages the Centre nursing team and ensure the smooth running of their holistic therapy service. Vanessa has worked in oncology since qualifying in the UK in 1992, and for 20 years specialised in breast cancer care.  She has a strong int...

Francesca Romana D’Antuono (FRD) is a senior public policy and institutional affairs executive with experience in leading complex, multi-country projects and organizations at European and national level. She has been the co-president of Volt Europa since 2021 and has been elected for two consecutive mandates. Under her leadership, Volt succeeded in gaining representation in 10 countries, from the...

Kit Reid is the Head of Experience for Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and is responsible for monitoring, maintaining and improving the quality of visitor experiences at sites to help ensure that Scotland’s heritage is for everyone. Kit worked as a Berlin tour guide and an archaeologist before working in visitor attractions.  HES is the public body responsible for investigating, promoting and...

Steve Darling is an MP for the Liberal Democrats Party representing Torbay in Devon, South West England as a Member of the House of Commons in the UK and has a condition known as Stargardt Disease which affects his vision. Today he will share his story. Learn more about Steve Darling MP and his work via the links below: Torbay Council website: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/leisure-sports-and-community...

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that during the course of 2025 this show officially reached audiences in over 100 countries and territories worldwide since I first launched it back in late 2019. Here's a complete list: USA Switzerland  Canada Australia  Germany Malta UK France Ireland Austria Belgium New Zealand (Aotearoa) India The Netherlands  Italy Singapore Portugal Somalia...